would -- march 1st at the pentagon would be devastating. the air force chief of staff is talking about big cuts in his branch. the vice chief of nato operations echoing the same, saying three aircraft carriers are tied up because of monetary concerns. we might hear more about north korea but also the underlying battle for the budget of the military as well. >> he says this is a big chance for the president to sell his balanced deficit reduction. the goal is to basically move public opinion forward so that moves congress. do you think the president will be able to accomplish that? >> reporter: that's the $64,000 question about this, isn't it? it's a great opportunity to get out there and take your message to the american people and go over the heads of congress and try to argue for what you believe in. on the other hand, we've seen at various times in modern history, whether it was ronald reagan or bill clinton or more, you can have a great soaring speech but it doesn't always translate into activity. i always remember ronald reagan dropping